2009 IBFFN Best Documentary Wins Four Midsouth Emmys
February 4, 2010 by filmnashville
Filed under Industry News
A great night for “I Am a Man” at 24th Annual MidSouth Emmy® Awards..
The International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN) congratulates its selection for 2009 Best Documentary, “I Am a Man: From Memphis, a Lesson in Life,” on its five Emmy® nominations and four wins from the Mid-South Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.“The recognition from so many is a testament to the hard work that went into putting together this film and a greater honor to the men and women who bravely declared their identity by proclaiming “I Am a Man” in one of the most dangerous times in history,” said executive producer Calvin Taylor. “This film will be used as a tool of educational enlightenment, healing and a commemoration of the bravery of the Sanitation workers of Memphis, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and the supporters of the Memphis Civil Rights Movement.”
“I Am a Man: From Memphis, a Lesson in Life” is a Memphis-made documentary that illustrates the story of the African-American community behind the1968 sanitation strike that brought the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to Memphis. This account is told through the voices of its forgotten heroes.
“We are so happy for Calvin Taylor and his partners for this awesome accomplishment,” said Hazel Joyner Smith, executive director of the IBFFN. “’I Am a Man’ is a wonderful documentary that, like those whose story it tells, is creating a path for more great films to gain exposure and recognition. Congratulations and honor are in order to the creators of this film.”
The 24th annual Mid-South Emmy Awards were announced on Saturday, January 30, during a live telecast originating at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
“I Am a Man” won for Best Historical Documentary. Sharing the award are Jonathan D. Epstein and Ryan Goble of Running Pony Productions; John Hubbell of Old Bridge Media; Deanie Parker; and Calvin Taylor of the Memphis Tourism Foundation.
Additionally, “I Am a Man” received the following craft-category nominations:
Directing — Jonathan D. Epstein, Running Pony Productions;
Audio — Benjamin Rednour, Running Pony Productions;
Writing — John Hubbell, Old Bridge Media; and
Music Composing and Arranging — Deanie Parker and Scott Bomar
In addition to Best Historical Documentary, the documentary won Emmys for:
- DIRECTOR – PROGRAMS
- MUSIC COMPOSER/ARRANGER
- WRITER – PROGRAMS
The project is posted at http://nashville.emmyonline.org/#136
And the show is videostreamed at
EMMY AWARDS VIDEOSTREAMING OFJANUARY 30, 2010 RECORDING OF 24TH ANNUAL MIDSOUTH AWARDS
http://mtsutv.org/emmys
About International Black Film Festival Nashville
The International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN), established in 2006, is a collaboration of dedicated professionals who support the need for a “community” effort to bring African-American and other Communities together to showcase their work as emerging and skilled independent filmmakers, actors, composers, screenwriters, directors and other film industry professionals.
“Defining Our Stories, Transforming the Image” as its organizational theme, IBFF strives to insure culturally accurate depictions in film with special emphasis on providing a forum for unheard, unseen and unknown viewpoints, and to showcase the rich creativity and diversity found in communities of color locally, nationally and internationally.
